I was asked to speak at a church this past Sunday and the word God gave me was, “Thrive in Difficult Circumstance.” That Word was as much for the congregation as it was for me.

Now, I understand so many of you are hurting. I get it! The isolation, the financial burden, the uncertainty. It can all be overwhelming.

But my Spirit keeps coming back to this thought, “Is God’s Word still true in a Pandemic?” Because if it is, I can’t allow my circumstances to speak louder than God’s Word!

Jesus said this: ““Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:24-25‬ ‭CSB‬‬

I am choosing to build my faith upon the rock. Pandemics May come. Isolation may be prevalent. Finances may be depleted. But I will not collapse because my foundation is upon the rock – His Promises, the Holy Spirit, the finished work of Christ, the Love of God.

Thriving in the middle of dire circumstances does not begin with our circumstances changing. It begins with a mindset change. I must believe that no matter what comes my way, I will not collapse, I will not fold because God is with me. (Psalms 23:4). I must believe When Jesus said, “I have come that you may have life more abundantly,” in a Pandemic was implied. (John 10:10)

So during this difficult time, I believe the call on my life is to Thrive. I am choosing to cooperate with God and Thrive! What does that look like?

1. Recognize our anti-thriving actions – complaining, self-pity, fatalistic what if games and repent. Repent just means to change your mind. Understand these thoughts just feed your misery. Pray about areas of concerns and have confidence that your prayers avail much (James 5:16).

2. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you what God is doing in a situation. Ask Him to show you what you can be grateful for in the middle of this difficult time. Recognize the areas you are thriving and focus on that. His job is to lead you to truth (John 16:13).

3. Find a place to serve. Take your mind off your own problems and help someone else.

4. Rest. Physically & Spiritually. Physically take care of your health. Eat nutritiously. Exercise. Spiritually guard your mind and heart. Read the Word. Listen to good preaching. Meditate on His promises.

Church, we have been empowered to Thrive – on the mountaintop and in the valley. We have been commissioned to Thrive in tranquil waters and in the storm. God’s promises are still yes and amen even in a Pandemic.

My house is built upon the rock and therefore I’m choosing to Thrive today! How about you?

PS: If you want to hear my sermon on Thriving, click here.